Although I didn’t have the fastest run of my life, running the Twin Lobster Half Marathon was a blast! This was partially due to the fact throughout my training I made sure to craft a playlist that would get my through 13.1 miles. I almost always listen to music while running. It helps me zone out a little and just go.

Yesterday I joined Runner’s World’s Twitter chat in honor of National Running Day. One of the questions was, “What advise would you give to new runners.” My answer was stop making excuses. I have made excuses for myself in the past and I have heard people say that they just “aren’t runners” a zillion times. Am I a runner? I run…I ran a half marathon. But do I consider myself a runner? Probably not. I am definitely no Shalane Flanagan.

I digress. The reason I brought this up was because one person’s answer was that the first mile lies. This is so completely true but I actually think the first three miles lie! I don’t start feeling good until I am about three miles into a run. That says a lot for when I run 5ks! And finally, coming full circle, this is why I need a killer playlist. Getting through those first 3 miles is crucial to finishing a race or a long training run strong.

Here is my beautifully crafted half marathon playlist from last weekend.

A little old, a little new. A little of everything (including Meatloaf). Note that my absolute favorite workout song ever is on there. Shawty Got Moves is on just about every playlist I make.

And now on to something else fun!

Photo A Day Challenge #30SummerDays

I’ve seen this challenge floating around on a few other blogs and I thought it would be really fun. The challenge is easy…each day there is a new daily theme. Just snap a picture of the given theme and post to Twitter, Instagram and/or Facebook with the hashtag #30SummerDays.

Here are the daily themes…I skipped Day 1 because I was running a half marathon and was solely focused on eating food after and not posting about what makes me lucky.

Week 1

1 – Rabbit, Rabbit! What brings you good luck?
2 – Monday, ugh! What’s keeping you going today? Me: Island Coconut coffee!

3 – Who made you smile today? Me: Curt ALWAYS makes me smile! Even when he steals me clean socks.

4 – Look up. What do you see? Me: Old and new Boston

5 – #TBT Share a photo from a past summer trip!
6 – National Doughnut Day! Snap a pic celebrating! Or, what did you have instead?!
7 – Saturday! What are you up to?

 Week 2

8 – Time to relax before the start of the week. What does relaxing look like to you?
9 – Manic Monday! What’s giving you a case of the Mondays?
10 – Is the sun out? Snap a pic! If not, what’s it like out there?
11 – Get over the hump of the week. How were you productive today?
12 – Treat yourself, it’s almost the weekend!
13 – Friday the 13th! Are you superstitious and ducking for cover, or out and about?
14 – Flag Day! Got one flying in the warm breeze?

Week 3

15 – Happy Father’s Day! Snap a pic or share one of an awesome dad!
16 – Moday motivation. What motivates you?
17 – Got a pet? Share them with the world!
18 – Stretch those legs mid-week and go outside or for a walk. Snap and share!
19 – #OOTD, what are you wearing? Got your summer clothes on?!
20 – Happy Friday! You made it! Smile and say cheese 
21 – HAPPY SUMMER! Take a picture of what summer looks like to you to celebrate!

Week 4

22 – Sunday Pancakes! Do you have a Sunday breakfast routine?
23 – Got those sandals out? What’s your favorite pair?
24 – What made you happy today?
25 – Are the flowers blooming? Take a picture of your favorite!
26 – Wehew, it’s hot out there. How are you cooling down?
27 – Last Friday of the month, what are you up to?
28 – Is today a beach day? Snap a pic and make everyone jealous!

Week 5

29 – Go out for a picnic! Make sure to take a picture!
30 – Last day of June, how are you sending it off?